Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-06-30
THE ROBES OF STATE.

|
The Abbey was now a blaze of r,agnifi-
cence. On the right of the 70 gal dias the
lord chancellor in his magnificent robes
of state and flowing wig, mass of velvet
and ermine was seated. Behind him sat
| 500 peers of the realm, and their peeress-
es, attired in costumes of rich velvet and
sumptuous silks. Behind these sat the
lord lieutenants, heavy with their robes
insignia of Office, and she diplomats, whose
bosoms were covered with decorations
On the left, and facing the lord chancel-
lor, was the speaker of the house of com.
mons, also wearing, his robe with the gol-
den mace before him. Behind him were
the members of the house of commons
and their wives, all richly arrayed for the
occasion. So, on either side of her, the
queens eyes would fall upon two brilliant
masses, splendid in colors and dazzling
with jewels.
The galleries were crowded with black
mass of clergymen. Down the nave the
eye was greeted with bright array of
military ard naval uniforms. Cons pic.
uous even in all this brilIiancy were the
dazzling oriental costumes of the Indian
rajabs, sparkling with precious stones.
The rays of the sun streaming through
varied glow to an assemblage which in it.
self was as picturesque as the world has
ever witnessed. The long space between
the Abbey pillars glowed with the irrides-
cence of many rainbows. The scene was
of more than regal splendor and must
have reminded the queen of the lavish
display of grandeur which signalized
her coronation. Court officials who have
seen both say to-day's spectacle far ex-
ceeded that of the coronation in magnif-
cence.
Amongst the notables that could be
seen from the press gallery were Premier
Salisbury wearing the Order Of the Gar
ter; Lord Cranbroke, Lord Alcester Lord
Asheburn, Sir William Vernon Harcourt
Mr.. Gladstone, in court uniform, with
Mrs. Gladstone; James Russell Lowell
and Mr.. Blaine. Queen Kapiolani and
Princess Liliokolani, in rich golden robes
were seated in the secrariam, Just under
the stream of crimson rays falling
through the windows. Amongst the
royalties who awaited the queens arrival
where the blind king of Saxony, who was
led to seat in the choir near the dais,
besides whom sat the queen of the Belgi-
ans and Crown Prince Rudolph of Ameri-
ca.
THE CEREMONIES.
fanfare of silver trumpets announc-
ed the queens arrival. Another fanfare
lntimated that she had taken her scat in
the coronation chair. Outside there had
been heard continuous roll of cannon,
salutes and pealing of bells, sll mingling
with the thunderous reclamation of the
people. But a sudden hush fell every
where when the queen seated, took the
prayer book in her hand and bowed her
head for short interval in silent prayer.
The service then began, the canon inton-
ing and the choir responding, with an
appeal to Almighty God in the queens
behalf. This was followed by the singing
of "Te Deum' to a setting by the
prince consort, which was grandly effec-
tive. After the Lords prayer, the arch
bishop of Canterbury stepping to the
front of the communion table read the |
three SPECIAL prayers prepared for the oc-
casion.
the gsssdng qf the Ens ehs
while the members of the English royal
family following the national custom,
inclined forward. The Psalm chosen was
the TWENTIETH. "The Lord hear thee in |
the day of trouble" The setting by DR.,
Bridge was admirably calculated to dis
play the splendid qualities of the choir.
The dean of Westminster next read the
lesson for the day First Peter, chapter p
then followed the athem, "Blcssed be the
Lord, thy God, who hath Delighted in
thee" written especially for the Jubilee.
In the middle of the anthem was inser-
ted by request of the queen the choral
"Gotha," composed by prince Albert. The
remainder of the service was conducted
by the archbishop of Canterbury. The
final organ sclo was prolonged to enable
the congregation to join in the prayer.
Before the CESSATION of its strains the
ceremony was at an end.
ROYAL sALUTEs.
The queen rising from the cornation
chair, signalled to the heir apparent to
approach her. The prince of Wales i'm
mediately stepped to her majesty's side
and, making a low obeisance, kissed her
hands. The queen kissed her son on the
cheek before allowing him to depart.
The crown prince of Germany next ap-
preached and kissed her majesty's hand,
an example which was followed by every
other prince on the dais. In each case
her majesty returned the salute with a
motherly kiss on the cheek or forehead.
The Princesses on the left of the queen
headed by the crown princess of Germany
and the princess of Wales went through
a similar ceremony. The salution of the
frst-named lady was remarkable for its
warmth and heartiness, and the more re-
markable in the fact that just as her
royal highness was about to retire, her
majesty called her back and kissed her a
second time.
Then her majesty intimated to the lord
chamberlain that she was ready, and the
return journey was commenced, the organ
list playing the March of the Priests in
"Athalie" as the procession, in the same
orders as at the commencement of the
proceedings, left the sacred edifce. The
ceremony throughout was the most solemn
and impressive and was followed with
the closest attention by the queen and
those who sat around her on the dais.
The Indian princes, too, all of whom were
furnished with books, appeared to regard
the service as one demanding strict at
tention.
THE COSTUMES.
The queens dress was not striking.